Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has a tough matchup coming out of the Chargers bye week with a Week 6 game against the Denver Broncos. McConkey has clearly been the WR1 on the Chargers offense, but an obvious run-first approach has limited the rookie pass catcher to an overall WR42 ranking in fantasy points per game. He has been able to put up two WR2 finishes, however, and clearly has the upside for more. He has a 25.8% target share and a 30.5% first read share, both strong numbers. He'll face a Broncos secondary that has limited opposing slot receivers to the lowest fantasy points per target so far this season. It's a decently high floor but limited ceiling kind of matchup for McConkey in Week 6.
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey scored his second NFL touchdown in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. McConkey led the Bolts in catches, yards, and targets and was the only Charger to score a touchdown. He ended up seeing seven targets, making five catches for 67 yards, including a seven yard touchdown on an excellent catch and throw in the first quarter. McConkey heads into the Chargers bye week as the clear top target in the passing game and should be an asset in PPR leagues especially when the Chargers return for a Week 6 game in Denver against the Broncos.
Ladd McConkey Could Succeed Despite A Tough Week 4 Matchup
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey could end up with a good game in Week 4 despite a tough matchup against a strong Kansas City Chiefs defense. McConkey has been the top receiving option for the Chargers offense, logging a 25.8% target share and a 30.7% air yard share, both leading the team. He's also second on the squad in first read share at 28.9%. The Chiefs secondary has limited most opposing receivers, but they have been somewhat exploited by slot routes, with Kansas City allowing the fourth most receptions to slot receivers so far this season. With quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) likely to be limited if he even plays, all Chargers pass catchers should be downgraded somewhat, but McConkey is the safest bet to still produce a high floor, and he has some clear upside this week as well.
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey led the team in targets and tied for the team lead in catches in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers offense was significantly slowed by the Steelers defense after two strong weeks to start the season. McConkey was targeted six times, making three catches for 44 yards. No other Charger had more than three targets, and he tied with Quentin Johnston with the 44 yards for the team lead. The Chargers ended up only completing 14 passes in this game, so McConkey's production was decent given the circumstances. The Chargers will face off against the Chiefs next week, possibly without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle).
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has a good matchup in a Week 3 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. McConkey scored a touchdown in his NFL debut in Week 1 but followed that up with a quiet performance in Week 2 in which he scored just 3.6 fantasy points. This week, he'll likely run most of his routes against Beanie Bishop Jr., who has allowed a passer rating of 143.2 when targeted. Either Joshua Palmer (knee) or Quentin Johnston will be shadowed in coverage by Joey Porter Jr., so more throws could end up going McConkey's way. He's a WR3 with some upside, and with a definite boost in value in PPR leagues.
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made just two catches in a Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers second-round pick scored a touchdown in Week 1 but was slightly less involved in Week 2, drawing four targets to make his two catches for 26 yards. The Chargers only attempted 20 passes, completing 14, which didn't leave much for the team's pass catchers to work. This will be a run-first offense, but McConkey's role as slot receiver will certainly provide him with some solid weeks of fantasy production. Next week against the Steelers could be a stronger performance.
Ladd McConkey Set To Repeat A Solid Performance In Week 2
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is set to repeat his solid NFL debut performance in a Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McConkey scored his first touchdown in Week 1 and caught a total of five passes for 39 yards. The rookie slot receiver had a 26.9% target share and was the first read on 25% of Justin Herbert's drop backs. McConkey will run a lot of underneath routes for planned short gains, making him much more valuable in PPR formats, but his usage in Week 1 showed that he can certainly develop into a weekly WR3/FLEX option even in a run-first offense.
Ladd McConkey Leads The Chargers In Receiving In Week 1
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey had an impressive debut in a Week 1 Chargers win. He was targeted seven times, making five catches for 39 yards, leading the teams in all of those categories. He also scored his first NFL touchdown, the only passing touchdown of the game for the Bolts. His score came on a 10-yard pass from Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter. McConkey might not lead the team in receiving every week, but he'll clearly have a key role in the passing game and could develop WR2 value sooner than later.
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is set to start in the slot in a Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. McConkey didn't play much in the preseason but is expected to play a significant role in the passing game this season. He's behind Joshua Palmer on the depth chart for sure, but could realistically be the second option for quarterback Justin Herbert on passing plays. McConkey will face a Raiders secondary that was in the upper half of rankings against slot receivers last season. His college numbers put him in the 98th percentile in receiving against single coverage though, so it could be a pleasant welcome to the NFL for the Chargers second-round pick.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught one pass for five yards during his first NFL preseason. It was a relatively quiet stretch of games for the rookie receiver as he competes for an impactful role in the Chargers' offense. Nevertheless, he formed a strong rapport with Los Angeles' quarterbacks during camp and also showed real promise as a blocker throughout the preseason. These factors alone should be enough to help him push for the No. 2 receiver role to open the year. Joshua Palmer figures to secure the No. 1 job, so McConkey's main competition is Quentin Johnston, who underwhelmed as a rookie last year but has reportedly impressed the Chargers' new coaching staff this summer. McConkey should be treated as a late-round depth piece in most fantasy leagues given that we don't exactly know what his role will look like this year.
